Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence
Colombia is preparing for a presidential election amidst a resurgence of political violence, highlighted by the recent murder of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda. The election features a contest between left and right candidates, each proposing different approaches to the ongoing armed conflict. The violence has escalated during the election period, raising concerns about the effectiveness of previous peace agreements.
- ▪Mateo Pérez Rueda was kidnapped and killed by Farc dissidents, symbolizing the rising political violence in Colombia.
- ▪The upcoming presidential election will see leftwing candidate Iván Cepeda, who supports a 'total peace' initiative, face off against far-right candidates advocating a return to war.
- ▪Recent months have seen increased guerrilla attacks, homicides, and kidnappings, indicating a failure to fully implement the 2016 peace deal.
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People hold candles and signs during a vigil in Cali this month for the journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda, who was killed by Farc dissidents. Photograph: Ernesto Guzman Jr./EPAView image in fullscreenPeople hold candles and signs during a vigil in Cali this month for the journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda, who was killed by Farc dissidents. Photograph: Ernesto Guzman Jr./EPAColombiaColombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violenceSunday’s presidential vote is contest between left and right – and between contradictory proposals for dealing with the decades-long armed conflictTiago Rogero South America correspondentSat 30 May 2026 05.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMateo Pérez Rueda was one internship away from completing a degree in political science.
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